Teardown/SIM card - Sprint Samsung Galaxy S III

has anyone done a teardown of the Sprint Galaxy S3? I wonder because I know they embed SIM cards, and want to know about if the plastic inside were cut, could one conceivably remove the SIM card and install a hack/update/ROM to allow it to accept a local pre-paid foreign GSM SIM card? Also, if one managed to get to the SIM card, would removing it make it inoperable even if it were put back?
I also wonder if anyone knows how identical the S/T/VZ Galaxies really are. I know Verizon is releasing an OTA update which will allow people to take their GS3s overseas, and I strongly believe Sprint should do the same. I've even sent Sprint PR people emails (addresses I got from seekingalpha.com news release articles).

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Visiting UK in Sept - Have my Unlock Code, What SIM card / Service should I get?

I'm really not sure this is the correct place to put this question (Mods, please move it if needed) .... as it sort of needs to be where both the UK SG-SIII users as well as T-Mobile SG-SIII users will both see it.
I contacted T-Mobile C'S and got them to email me an Unlock Code so that I could use my phone while in UK visiting my Mum for 2weeks, but when the email came the very first part of the instructions says "you must perform this unlock function with a NON T-Mobile SIM card installed"
Hmmm well since I am still in Florida, I can't do anything ahead of time but I wanted to try and research / find out what my options were when I get over there (flying into Manchester) ahead of time so that I know what I am going to do when I land.
Anyone out there with experience at international travel, multiple SIMs, pay-as-you-go plans etc?
Any help would be much appreciated. Thanks
It's easy to get it unlocked ... just use one of your friends ATT sim cards from their iPhone because s3 requires micro sim. Pop it in turn it on, it will ask for the code, put it in and your good to go. Then just put your sim card back in and your phone is unlocked for any gsm. When you get over seas find a service that has sim cards pop the sim in and your ready to go.
Sent from my SGH-T999 using xda app-developers app

Just wondering -- can a lost ATT SGS3 be used normally with SIM?

I'm a new to ATT and was wondering if a lost phone can still be used inside/outside the US when inserted with a SIM card? Or is there something that blocks the phone?
You sound like the guy who "purchased" a GS3 on Craigslist which was sim locked by AT&T when it was reported stolen. Honestly, why would it matter if you're new to AT&T? If your phone is lost or stolen then report it and they'll in turn shut down that SIM. You can report it to Samsung as well who may track stolen devices no matter the SIM entered.
Won't give any other answer as I'm sure it's a violation of the rules to aid criminal like behavior.
Sent from my SGH-I747 using xda app-developers app
Haha. if i had "purchased" such a phone why would i ask? couldnt i just see for myself..?
Why would it matter? cause i just switched from VW, which as you know doesnt use SIMS.. I also just came back from a trip overseas where everyone just switched their SIM cards on the plane.. so being a new ATT customer i was wondering how that thing works.. if phones can be locked despite putting a different SIM locally/internationally.. it's just good honest curiosity. ATT CS did tell me i can put any ineternational local SIM and it'll work as long as its a partner..
You kinda sat yourself up for those kind of comments. You didn't ask in the OP if a phone could be used in/out of country.... U clearly said "lost". This is they word that will probably lead everyone that reads this post to think that 1:its a stolen phone or 2:what the guy above me said. Just making an observation.... If this is not the case maybe you should edit your OP to read differently.
Again.. this is just curiosity.. i don't understand why we can't talk about this.. i asking in general how SIM technology works whether it's active or deactivated.
Since you guys like scenarios VS hypotheticals here's one -- Imagin i lost my phone and bought a new phone under the warranty.. then later found my old phone.. will it still work if i put my SIM in? will i need to report that i found my phone? Those are valid questions that should get valid answers...
SIM cards will work in any phone. You not have to call AT&T to have them activate it. Although I don't know if the new lte SIM cards work in older 3g phones I'd assume they should. And you'd have to return one of the phones because AT&T will block the imei of the one reported lost or stolen. So you generally return the lost/stolen phone.
Edit: Also we should stop treating everyone like criminals because you find the post "suspicious".
Once reported lost or stolen...at&t will block that imei. So no, if you find that lost phone later...it won't work on at&t. Get it sim unlocked and sell it.
Sent from my SGH-I747 using xda premium
here is a set of answers that should help your curiosity, since you are new to GSM/WCDMA-based networks (aka most networks that aren't VZW or sprint):
1. SIM cards can be switched in phones very easily. AT&T's 4G LTE SIMs can still be inserted into previous non-LTE phones (i.e. an old Moto Atrix) and it will work fine as long as the SIM card is valid. Your phone account/line is tied to your SIM card, NOT your phone. this is useful for those who have 'beater' phones for clubbing/debauchery nights.
2. phones from providers such as AT&T are usually SIM-locked, meaning you can only use an AT&T SIM in them. You can use other AT&T SIMs (say, from another account/line) and it will still work fine.
2.a. If your phone is reported stolen to AT&T, they will blacklist the IMEI and it CANNOT be used on AT&T's network anymore, period. So if your phone is stolen, you can have it barred from AT&T. This is why people who buy phones off craigslist often run into issues - the phone is actually stolen. There are no workarounds.
2.b. If you need to use your phone with a different provider's SIM (i.e. another country carrier, or t-mobile) then you need to get it unlocked. this requires a code that you input when you insert a foreign SIM. you can buy this code or get it from AT&T for free, pending a few requirements.
3. Verizon, now that they have an LTE network, uses SIM cards as well now.
Per the insurance rules if you do find the "lost" phone you are supposed to send it to them. I know they black list stolen phones, but from my experience they do not black list lost phones.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium
dLo GSR said:
here is a set of answers that should help your curiosity, since you are new to GSM/WCDMA-based networks (aka most networks that aren't VZW or sprint):
1. SIM cards can be switched in phones very easily. AT&T's 4G LTE SIMs can still be inserted into previous non-LTE phones (i.e. an old Moto Atrix) and it will work fine as long as the SIM card is valid. Your phone account/line is tied to your SIM card, NOT your phone. this is useful for those who have 'beater' phones for clubbing/debauchery nights.
2. phones from providers such as AT&T are usually SIM-locked, meaning you can only use an AT&T SIM in them. You can use other AT&T SIMs (say, from another account/line) and it will still work fine.
2.a. If your phone is reported stolen to AT&T, they will blacklist the IMEI and it CANNOT be used on AT&T's network anymore, period. So if your phone is stolen, you can have it barred from AT&T. This is why people who buy phones off craigslist often run into issues - the phone is actually stolen. There are no workarounds.
2.b. If you need to use your phone with a different provider's SIM (i.e. another country carrier, or t-mobile) then you need to get it unlocked. this requires a code that you input when you insert a foreign SIM. you can buy this code or get it from AT&T for free, pending a few requirements.
3. Verizon, now that they have an LTE network, uses SIM cards as well now.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just upgraded an Atrix 2 to an Atrix HD; and after 3 weeks the Atrix HD for a GSIII (fix your software MOTO!). Well between those two phones they switched the SIM card form factor. The Atrix 2 had the ones they've been running since ATT bought Cingular; and the Atrix HD used this one about 2/3 the size called a micro Sim card.
My question is this; can I use my micro SIM in my Inspire 4g I have for a backup?
jeffdaman said:
I just upgraded an Atrix 2 to an Atrix HD; and after 3 weeks the Atrix HD for a GSIII (fix your software MOTO!). Well between those two phones they switched the SIM card form factor. The Atrix 2 had the ones they've been running since ATT bought Cingular; and the Atrix HD used this one about 2/3 the size called a micro Sim card.
My question is this; can I use my micro SIM in my Inspire 4g I have for a backup?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes you can, you'll just need an adapter like this one http://www.amazon.com/LE-Microsim-A...=UTF8&qid=1346276599&sr=8-1&keywords=microsim
jeffdaman said:
I just upgraded an Atrix 2 to an Atrix HD; and after 3 weeks the Atrix HD for a GSIII (fix your software MOTO!). Well between those two phones they switched the SIM card form factor. The Atrix 2 had the ones they've been running since ATT bought Cingular; and the Atrix HD used this one about 2/3 the size called a micro Sim card.
My question is this; can I use my micro SIM in my Inspire 4g I have for a backup?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yes you can. if your slot is snug enough and not a push-slot you don't even need an adapter, just put it in so that the contacts are correctly aligned and it will be fine. did this all through europe when my SGS3 batt died.
I've wondered the same thing. Coming from sprint, I had to verify the ESN wasn't bad if buying used. This one done by calling sprint. I assume its the exact same thing but calling ATT with the imei number to see if its clean?
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using xda app-developers app
AnyMal said:
Yes you can, you'll just need an adapter like this one http://www.amazon.com/LE-Microsim-A...=UTF8&qid=1346276599&sr=8-1&keywords=microsim
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh, that's too bad, it's $0.37. I would see paying $0.35 but $0.37 is completely unreasonable!!!

[Q] Can I access the SIM?

I know this is a tall order but I want to know if the SIM can be access?
Sprint is going on embedded SIM for its world phones makes it hard to use your Sprint phone with a local SIM when traveling.
Will someone open the phone to find where the SIM is located?
Nothing on iFix so far

[Q] Where do I even begin...

So my gf has a Galaxy SIII from sprint, w no sim card. I have an at&t contract with two lines. I called AT&T and they replaced the IMEI for my 2nd line, to the IMEI of her SIII. Well obviously it's not that easy bc the **** don't work lol. I don't even know where to start, and don't bother telling me to "read the forums" bc I did and it's all gibberish to me anyway. Long story short I don't have any sim cards, never did. Not for my two htc one mini's through AT&T nor her SIII. Her SIII is running 4.1.2, which if i read some of the other posts right, it means it's impossible to transfer her phone to AT&T? I guess for starters is it even possible to bring a 4.1.2 SIII onto AT&T service? AT&T already changed the IMEI to her SIII, for whatever that's worth....
And on a side note, the SIII is completely stock from the manufacturer, aside from having the most current updates (Firmware etc). And I would like to emphasize that I have no access to any kind of "sim" card, nor will I ever. If there is a way to connect a Sprint SIII to the AT&T network, the method absolutely can not involve sim cards, and must be able to be done on a completely updated S3.
The last time I ever messed with the internals of a phone was back when the LG Ally was first released, and I did a one touch root, so I could use Verizons data through a WiFi hotspot, and not have to pay for a hotspot data package. So other than that I have not one pinch of knowledge or experience in this, as I've never had the need for it until now. I can follow instructions, but every single thread I've found on this site is so mind numbingly vague, it may as well read "insurt teh usb, do teh magix stuff, unplugs teh usb, ta-da!" And I'm not trying to start anything, I'm just trying to put into perspective how absolutely lost i am.
I tried the *# code in the dialer, and nothing. (probably bc i have NO sim cards)
I called AT&T and had them change the IMEI on my second line to the Sprint SIII
I read countless novel length threads on here, all of them seemingly useless.
I went to the sprint store to have them unlock it, they refused, naturally.
There is not an AT&T retail location for MANY miles, not like they'd be helpful anyway I assume...
I'm just stuck, all these threads do not apply to me, but I'm sure there's a way... There has to be.
To be able to connect the phone to the AT&T network you have to have a SIM card, without SIM you will never get to connect to the AT&T network. Your best bet would be to check here or craigslist to see if someone might be willing to exchange phones. or to purchase or upgrade to a phone with a SIM card slot, no sim card slot no service with AT&T.
I'm not a dev but I can tell you this.
1. Please do not insult one of the best source for Android development because you refuse to read the stickies and tutorials.
2. I'm sorry but a CDMA only Sprint Galaxy S3 does not have the necessary hardware to use AT&T's network. Though you state there must be a way you are unfortunately wrong in this case.
3. Prepare to get flamed and possibly have this thread closed.
4. You should try a Sprint MVNO or other CDMA based phone company like Boost, Virgin Mobile, etc.
5. I feel sorry if by girlfriend's phone you mean you bought a hot phone off someone.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using xda app-developers app
We're not here to flame, he has a legitimate question and simply needs an answer. Bit1 is right it's a CDMA phone and won't work with AT&T. It's very unfortunate but you won't get it to work. Your best bet now is to resell it as a CDMA phone and purchase the AT&T version.
Well, I guess that solves that, lol. Yeah I did some foot work around the city, talked to several retailers and a couple techs, learned a lot more a lot quicker. So yeah it basically comes down to the radio being in a completely different band/freq wtfe than AT&T uses. (The whole CDMA and the other deal). I mean the IMEI isn't locked, the phone isn't "hot". She's behind $250 on her sprint bill and now has a $300 paperweight, so I was trying to add the phone to my AT&T plan. Anywho, thanks for clearing this up. As far as trying to sell the thing, I saw a kiosk with a used S3 for $280? Is there even a market for S3's? They don't exactly seem like the "in" thing anymore if you catch my drift. My next question would be, if I sold the phone to someone who wanted to use it on the Sprint network, can they use it? More specifically I know they lock IMEI's if they're reported stolen/lost, but would they do it for not making a bill payment? (She hasn't used the thing/had service in over a month now...) My goal really is to figure out what to do with the thing. Best Buy offered $150 for an S3, but I don't know if the IMEI is good or not : / The screen is cracked so i was going to get a $15 one off EBay, fix it, and sell it. My concern is on selling the thing, should I make the $15 investment and chance not being able to sell the thing? I'm broke as all get out, so I'd rather have the 3 packs of cig's than a wasted investment lol.
Anybody need an SIII?
LMAO

[Q] where can I get a nano Sims card

I am getting the a Note 4 from Sprint and I know that it requires a nano Sims card. I just wanted to know if anyone knows where I can get one , like a good one that i know for sure will work for my phone. Please someone help me out!
Get one from Sprint.
Liyah234 said:
I am getting the a Note 4 from Sprint and I know that it requires a nano Sims card. I just wanted to know if anyone knows where I can get one , like a good one that i know for sure will work for my phone. Please someone help me out!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You get one from the only place you can.. You get it from Sprint, it comes with the phone when you buy it.
Are you sure you are not meaning the SD Card? If that's the case just buy any one, preferably a major brand just to be safe. Also those are not nano, they are micro sd cards.
Solarenemy68 said:
You get one from the only place you can.. You get it from Sprint, it comes with the phone when you buy it.
Are you sure you are not meaning the SD Card? If that's the case just buy any one, preferably a major brand just to be safe. Also those are not nano, they are micro sd cards.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes I contacted the Samsung company and I asked if a Sims card or SD Card was required for the phone and I was told that it needed a Sims card but not a SD card
If you're getting your Note from Sprint it will have a sim card with it
The SIM should be included if purchased through a retail location or through telesales/online. A service and repair sprint location may carry the SIM card you need, but I would call ahead of time to check. Www.storelocator.sprint.com will show locations near you and list them as an eligible repair facility. I would avoid third party stores (those listed as "Sprint by _____") unless absolutely necessary. I know the SIM's SKU you need ends in 206R if that helps you clarify with the sales rep/technician you will be talking to in the near future for the correct SIM you need for your device.
Now if your device is displaying No SIM and a SIM is in fact installed (located directly by the battery to the left and is white with small numbers printed on it) then you are probably looking at trying to hard reset or replace your device. If you are within your 14 days of purchase, I would recommend just pushing for them to exchange it for a brand new one out of the box. I just saw this today and was unable to successfully fix the issue, though the person I was working with did not want to wipe their device until they backed their phone up to their personal computer.
Good luck!
If you are getting the Note 4 from Sprint, it will come with a sim card. If you are getting one from someone else and the sim card doesn't come with the phone, you can ask Sprint for a sim card.
You need to call sprint order support/telesales for a ICCID card
adrianr514 said:
You need to call sprint order support/telesales for a UCCID card
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unlike T-Mobile, the card in the Note 4 is not a UUCID card but is an actual SIM card necessary for Sprints LTE side of their network. It even says SIM on the card. All Sprint phones that use LTE come with the SIM card when you buy them. There is no need to acquire one unless you got a phone in some shady method.
Solarenemy68 said:
Unlike T-Mobile, the card in the Note 4 is not a UUCID card but is an actual SIM card necessary for Sprints LTE side of their network. It even says SIM on the card. All Sprint phones that use LTE come with the SIM card when you buy them. There is no need to acquire one unless you got a phone in some shady method.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am a store manager at sprint. I activate phones all day long. Its a ICCID card. Go to your about phone > status and under MEID will be ICCID and that is the same number that is on the card. Also if you look at the barcodes on the box it'll also say ICCID under the barcode and have the same number. When the card is only needed for LTE registration it's a ICCID hence whe you still get 3G and voice coverage without it. If it were a SIM card you would get zero coverage with out it.
adrianr514 said:
I am a store manager at sprint. I activate phones all day long. Its a ICCID card. Go to your about phone > status and under MEID will be ICCID and that is the same number that is on the card. Also if you look at the barcodes on the box it'll also say ICCID under the barcode and have the same number. When the card is only needed for LTE registration it's a ICCID hence whe you still get 3G and voice coverage without it. If it were a SIM card you would get zero coverage with out it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thats nice, too bad Sprints LTE service is crap on this phone.
Oh and my comment was about a UCCID which T-Mobile uses, not an ICCID which IS the same as a SIM. While a UCCID is not.
Its technicalally a UICCID Card. And Actually in Spark areas I get amazing download speeds and non spark areas i get a respectable ~20mbps down
adrianr514 said:
Its technicalally a UICCID Card. And Actually in Spark areas I get amazing download speeds and non spark areas i get a respectable ~20mbps down
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
According to the Sprint coverage map I live in the heart of Spark coverage in the North Dallas Area and I am lucky if I get over 2 on the down and over 1 on the up. It is like this all over DFW for me and Sprint says Samsung is at fault and Samsung says it is a Sprint/Tower issue and I am caught between them with a turtle phone.
In either case on topic, the phone comes with the card when you buy it. If it did not then you are getting ripped off or the phone has been stolen if you are not buying it new.
Solarenemy68 said:
According to the Sprint coverage map I live in the heart of Spark coverage in the North Dallas Area and I am lucky if I get over 2 on the down and over 1 on the up. It is like this all over DFW for me and Sprint says Samsung is at fault and Samsung says it is a Sprint/Tower issue and I am caught between them with a turtle phone.
In either case on topic, the phone comes with the card when you buy it. If it did not then you are getting ripped off or the phone has been stolen if you are not buying it new.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I got pretty good coverage the last time I visited my dad in Dallas and he's never complained about his S4 not getting good coverage.
bosswick said:
I got pretty good coverage the last time I visited my dad in Dallas and he's never complained about his S4 not getting good coverage.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Only the Note 4 has this issue and Samsung has even released a tech doc to the higher level techs at Sprint stating this. But you won't know this unless you finally get to talk to a top tier support person like I did after three weeks.
Even though it has been stated though, neither wants to step up and take the blame as the backlash for both would be devastating to business.
The tech told me that samsung has admitted that some note 4 phones have an issue connecting to Sprint towers properly. The claim a reflash MIGHT fix it. I took it to my local Samsung service center who kept it for 2.5 hours claimed the checked it and reflashed it and could find nothing wrong with it.
Solarenemy68 said:
Only the Note 4 has this issue and Samsung has even released a tech doc to the higher level techs at Sprint stating this. But you won't know this unless you finally get to talk to a top tier support person like I did after three weeks.
Even though it has been stated though, neither wants to step up and take the blame as the backlash for both would be devastating to business.
The tech told me that samsung has admitted that some note 4 phones have an issue connecting to Sprint towers properly. The claim a reflash MIGHT fix it. I took it to my local Samsung service center who kept it for 2.5 hours claimed the checked it and reflashed it and could find nothing wrong with it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just remembered the last time i was in the dallas area, i still had my note 3... But assuming you are outside your 14 day return period, I would either ask for a replacement through the TEP program (free - if you have TEP) or through Samsung (you'll have to contact Samsung for this, not Sprint) if this is the case. The TEP replacement most likely won't be a refurb since the phone hasn't been out that long... Probably an open box return, which happens quite often or a rep grabbed the wrong phone and opened it, so it'd be a brand new phone. If sprint gives you trouble at the store level tell them to look at your account notes and they will see a note for each call to tech support. That's my best recommendation as someone who works in a sprint store.
Liyah234 said:
I am getting the a Note 4 from Sprint and I know that it requires a nano Sims card. I just wanted to know if anyone knows where I can get one , like a good one that i know for sure will work for my phone. Please someone help me out!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Its not a nano Sim, its a micro Sim card.
---------- Post added at 12:47 AM ---------- Previous post was at 12:45 AM ----------
Jeez guys I get roughly 65ish down in the Flint area. Seems like some of the phones don't work great on it and others do
Liyah234 said:
I am getting the a Note 4 from Sprint and I know that it requires a nano Sims card. I just wanted to know if anyone knows where I can get one , like a good one that i know for sure will work for my phone. Please someone help me out!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am 99% sure this guy is not talking about a SIM card since he refers to a good one and there are no good or bad SIMS, you get what your provider gives you. What I believe he is talking about is a Micro SDcard. If that is the case then just get any major brand and it should be fine. I have a Samsung 64GB in mine and it works great.

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